Community Post Type: News

Knowsley’s theme for its year as Borough of Culture is Storytelling and central to the whole idea is the opportunity to capture and bring to life the stories of the borough’s people and places.

The storytelling will include everything from local folk tales, traditions and heritage that are unique to Knowsley to exploring people’s hopes and dreams of what the borough may become in the future.

Through all of the events and activities, people will be encouraged to share their stories – if they wish – to help build up a picture of life in Knowsley and ensure that all aspects of culture are showcased, shared and celebrated.

A key part of the celebrations will be The Owl and the Pussy-Cat Trail. The poem, by Edward Lear, was actually written at Knowsley Hall. This fascinating fact and Lear’s connections to Knowsley are set to be celebrated throughout 2022 with a huge sculpture trail featuring 16 pairs of 2 metre-high owls and pussy-cats.

The Borough of Culture was introduced by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram and the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority in 2018 to encourage and enable each Borough to deliver cultural programmes which create a lasting legacy across the whole region.

Here’s what to expect from Knowsley’s illuminating start to the year:

Tall Tales – 4 and 5 February 2022 – Stockbridge Village

Tall Tales is a brand-new large-scale community artwork that will see Merecliff – a residential 16 storey tower in Stockbridge Village (adjacent to the M57 motorway) – animated and illuminated in light. The dramatic projection which will be accompanied by a soundtrack, will tell the story of local people and communities who have shared their stories, memories, hopes and dreams about the place they call home.

These Tall Tales, captured, interpreted and exaggerated by artists Illuminos will be brought to life over two incredible evenings in January. This event is being delivered in partnership with Knowsley Council, ForHousing and the local community.

Aqualux – 14 to 28 January – Kirkby town centre 

Aqualux is a stunning 8 metre by 3-metre-wide light installation that will be situated in Kirkby town centre for two weeks.

The artwork consists of 48 containers which can hold up to 1,000 litres of water – the average consumption of a household over a year. Coming to life after dark. the illuminated artwork will also be accompanied by music to create a memorable and magical experience while raising awareness of the need to conserve and protect our fragile water supplies.

A switch on event will take place on 14 January which will include Spark illuminated drummers to welcome the installation to Kirkby. Aqualux is delivered in partnership with Blackpool Illuminations.

The Magic Wood – 21, 22 and 23 January 2022 – Halewood

Over three consecutive evenings Court Farm Woods in Halewood will be transformed into an enchanted spectacle of light, music and fiery woodland creatures. Hand crafted, intricate fire sculptures will transform the space into an outdoor gallery of wonder where visitors will be able to wander through the attractions or stand and watch the spectacle unfold.

The Magic Wood – A Fire Garden by Walk the Plank will be unique to Halewood and will feature performances from Bring The Fire Project, harpist Rebecca Mills and a special family performance set in giant golden birdcage.

Numbers are limited so tickets need to be booked in advance from Wednesday 8 December. See www.cultureknowsley.co.uk for details.

Gaia – 28 January to 17 February – St. Chad’s Church Kirkby

Luke Jerram’s ‘Gaia’ is an astonishing 6-metre-wide replica of the earth based on imagery and data from NASA. Suspended in the air and slowly revolving, the artwork – which will be housed in St. Chad’s Church in Kirkby – gives people a chance to see the planet, floating in three dimensions.

A specially made surround sound composition by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award winning composer Dan Jones is played alongside the sculpture.

As a touring artwork, Gaia is famous across the globe and an exciting programme of events and activities is being devised for its visit to Kirkby.

Submergence – 12 to 24 February – Huyton Village Centre

Submergence is a reflective, immersive walkthrough experience that will go on display in Sherbourne Square in Huyton Village. Consisting of thousands of individual points of suspended light, visitors are encouraged to enter the artwork to experience the amazing light illusion for themselves.

Alongside Submergence, Huyton will also be home to a second light installation still to be announced by world renowned experts Squid Soup. More details will be announced soon.

New Dawn Light Spectacular – 18 and 19 February – Knowsley Hall

The New Dawn programme will come to a spectacular climax over two consecutive evenings in February. In two showings per evening, the iconic Knowsley Hall will be illuminated in a series of dramatic projections recreating a vision of a pop-up story book – a fairy-tale of lights and sound telling the stories of Knowsley.

Delivered by video projection artist’s Illuminos and accompanied by an atmospheric soundtrack from renowned composer Patrick Dineen the spectacular will create a unique and memorable moment for all visitors.

Numbers are limited, so anyone interested in attending should register to be part of a ballot to receive ‘golden tickets’ to this spectacular event. Details can be found here www.cultureknowsley.co.uk/new-dawn-light-spectacular/.

All of these events will be free for the public to attend (although some will require tickets to be reserved in advance).

 

On the 9^th Dec 2021, Phase One officially re-opens its doors after an almost 8 week refurbishment.

The complex at 40 Seel St will house its now familiar Record Store, the evolution of The Jacaranda’s record store on Slater St, birthplace of The Beatles, with a drinking space behind that focuses on a more mature drinking environment than you might find elsewhere on Seel St. However, this is not a venue to rest on those kinds of laurels. It has bona fide credibility of its own.

In May 2018, Graham Stanley and his team, threw together a little pop up on Seel St that would expand on the much-loved record store above The Jacaranda Bar. It was only supposed to last for 6 months before the real work began, but the world had different plans.

That little pop-up evolved into one of the most talked about grass roots venues in Liverpool, largely due to the skills of Veso Mihaylov, who now runs a booking company We Are Out of Phase along with Graham Stanley, which has recently successfully put on shows by Arlo Parks and Maximo Park.

Phase One hosted Mercury Music prize nominees Black Midi and Georgia, You Me at Six, The Blinders, Unkle, Newton Faulkner, Tim Burgess, Feeder, Fat White Family, Field Music, Gabriel Alpin, Sunset Suns, The Faim, Black Honey, Matt Maltese, helped Pete Doherty and The Puta Madres launch their eponymous album in 2019 and hosted many of Liverpool’s best and brightest including ZuZu, The Red Rum Club, Bill Ryder Jones, Queen Zee, Circa Waves, Spinn, Psycho Comedy, The Heavy North, Bedside Manners, The Hummingbirds, The Peach Fuzz, Nikki and The Waves, Nu Tribe, Paris Youth Foundation, Rats, and Jamie Webster.

The venue also served as home to local jazz institution Parr Jazz, whose finest moment was by far hosting Bokante.

As the pandemic threw a spanner in the live music scene works, Frank Turner came through for the 300-cap venue and played an online fundraiser to help it weather the storm. And it did, but it would never take the same form again.

Forward to April 2021, no one can go inside for a drink and a chat with the friends, and Phase One discovered that it could offer a perfect oasis away from the beautiful chaos that is Seel St, in its beautiful, secluded courtyard. As inside became inbounds again it has hosted some wonderful acoustic sessions from some of Liverpool’s exciting grassroots treasures including Eleanor Nelly, Nocturnal Coast, Fiona Lennon and Martha and Mick from The Hushtones, amongst many others.

Now has come the time for its next transformation.

It has taken the best elements of the things that it has been since May 2018, and is repackaging them into a slightly shinier, permanent, and grown-up exterior. The record store will be making a permanent return under the leadership of Namina Koroma, renowned local DJ. She has been a great ally to the cause of both record store day and ERA since she became part of The Jacaranda Records family 6 years ago.

The record store will greet you from the street, the store is also chart registered, so every purchase of a new release counts toward your favourite artists chart placing. It will be a mix of old technology and new,  a lot of the vinyl will be available for a digital listen on our system before you commit to a purchase. The décor with also mix clean lines with a vibrant 70’s aesthetic serving coffees and vibes all through the daytime 7 days a week.

See their website here.

Deva Fest returns to Chester Lakes next summer with an unmissable line-up of fantastic festival events and faces – and now with a host of exciting new additions.

The three-day festival will take place from 12-14 August 2022 after this summer’s event was postponed due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding the Coronavirus pandemic.

Organisers are promising the 2022 event will be bigger and better than ever, with new attractions including a special 300-seat Gin and Prosecco festival within the main festival site.

The team behind renowned Chester bars Liquor & Co and Craft & Company will be on hand to serve a superb range of cocktails and drinks throughout the three days.

A Comedy Tent – in association with Alexander’s Live of Chester – will also be at the Chester Lakes site with a line-up of household names taking to the stage during the festival weekend.

And festival-goers are being offered a huge range of new camping options within the Chester Lakes complex, with pitches for tents, camper vans, caravans and RVs all just a stone’s throw from the Deva Fest action.

Meanwhile headliners Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Heather Small, Scouting for Girls, Dodgy, Symphonic Ibiza and Sonique have already confirmed they will play the new 2022 dates. Keep an eye out for more music acts to be added to what is a truly stellar bill.

Deva Fest Managing Partner Phil Marston said: “Although it was obviously a disappointment to have to postpone this year’s Deva Fest, we certainly haven’t rested on our laurels and have been adding to the event, even in its absence.

“We’re really proud of the huge range of attractions planned for Deva Fest 2022. The music line-up is incredibly strong, while the addition of a comedy tent will really strengthen the breadth of the festival offer.

“And we know from the reaction we’ve already received that the Gin and Prosecco festival will be a huge hit with our audiences. We’re really pleased to partner with Liquor & Co and Craft & Company to make that happen.

“With a wide range of new camping options and extras like free fairground rides and a bespoke shuttle bus from surrounding areas, we’re confident festivalgoers are going to have a fantastic weekend in August 2022.”

Officially launched in 2019, Cheshire’s Family Friendly Music, Food and Lifestyle Extravaganza, Deva Fest proved hugely popular.

Like many others, last summer’s event had to be postponed due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

Then, organisers promised they would be back and added even more star names for their event.

Deva Fest will take place across the weekend of Friday 12 August, Saturday 13 August, and Sunday 14 August 2022, at Chester Lakes in Dodleston, three miles from Chester city centre.

The weekend programme will start on the Friday (12 August) with Old School Dance Anthems Day, headlined by Symphonic Ibiza and top hitmaker Sonique.

Returning to headline after their triumphant performance in 2019, Symphonic Ibiza will once again thrill the crowds with dance classics. DJ Andy Joyce will be joined by a full symphony orchestra conducted by Steve Etherington to ensure that Symphonic Ibiza transports fans back to the White Isle.

The line-up also includes Brit Award-winning singer, musician and DJ Sonique along with Dream Frequency, Bingo Bango, Dave Graham and Chester DJs Geddes & Gioia.

Saturday (13 August) is Pirate Day.

The event, headlined by double platinum-selling – and lockdown Kitchen Disco queen – Sophie Ellis-Bextor and M-People’s Heather Small, will feature a host of pirate themed activities and entertainment.

The day will feature parades and street performers, with prizes for festivalgoers in the best Jack (or Jackie) Sparrow outfit. Chester’s Winter Watch Parade team will provide the entertainment.

Chester singing duo Belle Voci also appear along with The Pirate Day Ball with TRIX and The Old Time Sailors. 

Meanwhile Deva Fest 2022 will close on Sunday, 14 August with a headline set from festival favourites, Brit Award-winning Scouting For Girls, and rock band Dodgy.

The Deva Fest attractions will also include a free to use fairground on the festival field. The main stage will once again be in a giant big top ensuring fantastic live performances, whatever the weather.

Once again, Deva Fest will offer quality food and drink vendors, who will be hand-picked by Taste Cheshire to ensure locally produced tasty offerings and treats are available.

They include Monster’s Catering with its slow-roasted pork in baps, Simply Duck, The Handmade Pizza Company, Polly’s Parlour offering ice cream and sorbets from its vintage van, and Greek and vegan street food.

You can also make a holiday weekend of it with camping weekend tickets also available with toilet and shower facilities.

New, extended camping options are available at The Meadow, BBQ Pods, Woodland pitches – electric, island and wild camping – and a dedicated Caravan Park area.

Full camping details and prices are on the website.

Hundreds of tickets for next year’s festival have also been given away in a special ballot exclusively for NHS staff and key workers.

Organisers have pledged tickets with a total value of more than £20,000 as a way of saying thank you for the hard work and dedication of key workers throughout the last 20 months.

For more information about Deva Fest and to book visit www.devafest.co.uk

An acclaimed writer from Liverpool has published his first novel at 80-years-old just months after leaving hospital following a frightening battle with COVID-19.

George Skelly began writing The Most Familiar Face In the World back in the early 70s and was finally ready to publish this Christmas but following an admission into hospital after being diagnosed with coronavirus, his family “weren’t sure he’d live to see the day” that it hit the shelves.

His son, John tweeted a photo posing with George with the caption “This is my Dad in Sept on his 80th. We almost just lost him to COVID. Thanks to the amazing staff at Wirral University Teaching Hospital he pulled through”.

George’s writing exploits have already seen him pen two influential true crime books, The Cameo Conspiracy and Murderers or Martyrs.  His research on the former being key in the exoneration of an innocent man who had been hanged 53 years previously for a crime he didn’t commit.

Educated at Ruskin College, Oxford and Liverpool University, he had a career in social work, before taking early retirement to focus on his passion for ‘researching, writing and righting miscarriages of justice’.

His first novel, The Most Familiar Face In the World serves up an uncompromisingly authentic slice of post-war Liverpool – as a coruscating backdrop to young protagonist, Sheridan. The novel has been described as ‘hilarious and heart-wrenching’ as well as ‘clearly written from the heart with his life’s blood’ by Oscar-winning director, John Schlesinger.

Speaking about the novel, George said “Young Sheridan is an exceptional kid in a cruel, confusing world. Astute beyond his tender years, but trapped in a hard-knock childhood, amidst the squalor and grit of post-war Liverpool – where the grown-ups make no sense.  Brutal yet kind, tragic yet funny, happy yet sad. He feels for them. He feels for everything!”

On why it has taken so long to publish, George said “Its genesis dates back to the early 1970’s, but life, family and other projects led to it spending almost 50 years percolating gently on the backburner.”

That amount of time however places a useful distance between present day and the vivid and gritty world of post-war Liverpool that the novel depicts so authentically – as a coruscating backdrop to this timeless tale about self and the universal human need of having something to look forward to.

The Most Familiar Face In the World by George Skelly is available to buy now in paperback and on e-readers.

Open Culture, who produce Uncover Liverpool, are a member of COoL (Creative Organisations of Liverpool). As part of the city’s two major arts consortia, LARC and COoL, our thoughts and solidarity are with all those who have been affected and impacted by the shocking incident at Liverpool Women’s Hospital recently.

We are appalled at the reported increase in hate crime against our Muslim and newly arrived communities and we stand in strength with our friends and neighbours who have been receiving abuse.

Our sector prides itself on inclusivity and togetherness and we celebrate all communities for the contribution they make to Liverpool. Ours is a city formed by successive waves of immigration and enriched by cultural and religious diversity. Our strong community spirit will always overcome the hate that tries to divide us.

JJ Parki’s collaboration Hard To Forget from his excellent debut album, Cafe de la Musique, has been signed to a record label in Germany.

The collaboration is with Australian actress/model/singer Hayley Gia Hughes. You can listen to the track here: Spotify – Hard to Forget.

Southport’s JJ Parki (James Parkin) submitted Hard To Forget via Submit Hub, and the song was snapped up straight away by FBP Music Publishing in Frankfurt. The collaboration will be published and distributed worldwide through FBP Music Group.

More than £100 million has been awarded to hundreds of cultural organisations across the country including the Bluecoat in the latest round of support from the Culture Recovery Fund, the Culture Secretary announced today.

The Bluecoat in Liverpool has been awarded a grant of £155,194 by Arts Council England.

The latest Cultural Recovery Fund grant will ensure that the Bluecoat can continue to open its doors, providing a vital creative resource to Liverpool. It will support the Bluecoat’s after school club programme, Out of the Blue, which provides creative sessions to children living in some of the most deprived areas of the city, as well as supporting Blue Room, a programme for learning disabled adults.

Artists will be supported in continuing to practise and, in addition, the funding will contribute to the building and organisation being fit for purpose – providing better access for resident artists, ensuring the building is covid safe, and contributing to the sustainability of the organisation through process improvements.

The third round of funding will support organisations from all corners of the sector as they deal with ongoing reopening challenges, ensuring they can thrive in better times ahead.

See their website here.

Liverpool’s Epstein Theatre reopens its doors next month – and the much-loved venue is promising audiences a season full of sparkling entertainment to mark its return.

The historic Hanover Street venue has been relaunched under new management, Epstein Entertainments Ltd, and is getting in the Christmas spirit with a series of shows which are guaranteed to be the perfect night out for those who want to kickstart the festive season in style.

The festivities begin on Friday, 3 December when The Martini Lounge brings its Christmas Cabaret to the stage. Liverpool’s largest and longest running cabaret and burlesque show celebrates its 15^th birthday in 2022, and ahead of that its mistress of ceremonies Millie Dollar is promising the very best in burlesque and variety from across the world in this sizzling slice of seasonal entertainment.

The Martini Lounge also returns on Saturday, 4 December for a very special workshop in the Epstein bar with Millie Dollar herself.

The fantastic David Knopov also appears at the Epstein Theatre on Saturday, 4 December with his Perfectly Frank – Swinging Sinatra Christmas Show. David is one of the world’s most authentic and sought-after performers of Frank Sinatra’s timeless classics, and his audiences over his 30-year career have included Her Majesty the Queen and the King of Greece.

Now for one night only, Perfectly Frank and his swing quartet come to the Epstein for a Christmas celebration the Ol’ Blue Eyes way. Special guest on the evening will be the amazing Connie Lush.

The late, great Gerry Marsden is recalled on Sunday, 5 December in I Like It: The Ultimate Tribute to Gerry Marsden & The Swingin’ 60s.

Gary Murphy and his multi-talented band are promising an evening packed with Pacemaker hits including Ferry Cross the Mersey, Don’t Let the Sun Catch You Crying, I Like It and the anthem You’ll Never Walk Alone, along with Sixties classics from fellow Merseybeat bands and some of the biggest stars of the decade.

On Wednesday, 8 December, there’s the chance to enjoy The Best of Queen at the venue. The UK’s biggest Queen tribute band Majesty will take music fans on a magical journey through the band’s iconic catalogue, celebrating the music and showmanship of Freddie, Brian, Roger and John.

Meanwhile Swedish superstars Benny, Bjorn, Agnetha and Anni Frid are celebrated in ABBA Forever on Thursday, 9 December. Attention to detail, dynamic choreography, great visuals and brilliant musicianship and vocal combine in one unmissable evening.

And on Friday, 10 December some of the current comedy circuit’s funniest names come together for the Laughterhouse Comedy Christmas Show. Tom Stade, Mick Miller and Justin Moorhouse are lined up to appear on the Epstein stage and Laughterhouse’s Chris Cairns will be your Christmas comedy compère.

If all that isn’t enough to get you in the seasonal spirit, there is also the return of the popular Epstein panto.

Beauty and the Beast stars Emmerdale, Hollyoaks, Footballers’ Wives and West End star Ben Richards as the dastardly Gaston, appearing alongside a brilliant cast of panto performers including Lauren McCrory as Belle, Lewis Devine as French Frank and Jamie Greer as Potty Polly. It runs from 16 December to 9 January 2022.

The Epstein is a 108-year-old, 380-seat proscenium arch theatre. It was originally opened as Crane’s Music Hall in 1913 and was a popular location for recitals and performances. It was renamed Crane Theatre in 1938.

In 1967 the theatre was purchased by Liverpool Corporation, which decided that it should be run by local people for local people and was named the Neptune Theatre. The Neptune also became a comedy club and, after many years of uncertainty about the future of the theatre, it eventually closed in 2005.

In July 2011, a £1million refurbishment of the theatre was completed which saw the Hanover Street venue brought up to 21st Century standards and renamed The Epstein Theatre in honour of former Beatles manager Brian Epstein.

The venue is now under the management of Epstein Entertainments Ltd – a partnership between PR expert and theatre producer Bill Elms, and Chantelle Nolan and Jane Joseph of Regal Entertainments Ltd.

Bill Elms, Artistic and Communications Director at Epstein Entertainments Ltd, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be reopening the Epstein Theatre ahead of Christmas and with a really brilliant season of shows to take us towards the big day itself.

“Whether you’re a fan of fantastic live music, comedy, or cabaret and burlesque, there’s something on the programme you won’t want to miss. It’s an ideal opportunity to dress up, and join friends or family for a night out at a great live show.

“And not forgetting we also have our very special panto Beauty and the Beast. It’s been another difficult year with the ongoing pandemic, so families deserve to enjoy some festive fairytale magic – and that’s certainly what we’re promising here at the Epstein.”

Follow the Epstein Theatre:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/EpsteinTheatre

This Christmas, Royal Albert Dock Liverpool will be illuminated with the return of the much loved Light Trail around its historic colonnades from Friday 12th November and shining a spotlight on Liverpool’s Brightest independents with their festive menus, unique gifts and the dock’s world-class attractions.

 Visitors can download the Light Trail map from the albertdock.com/christmas along with a specially curated Royal Albert Dock Christmas Spotify playlist, and embark on a magical waterfront walk with a hot chocolate or mulled wine, to seek out nautical characters from Liverpool’s coat of arms, designed by MK Illumination. 

Taking place across the whole estate, the Light Trail starts at the dock’s entrance gates with Neptune and Triton standing tall and leading the way underneath the curtain of blue lights along Salthouse Quay. Next, wander past the festively-lit trees which lead up to Hartley Quay passing the International Slavery and Merseyside Maritime Museum, with a perfect photo spot on Hartley Bridge with the dock’s illuminated backdrop, or a stone’s throw away with the colourful Liverpool Mountain. 

From here, stroll past Tate Liverpool along the inner quay which has each of its 86 red columns wrapped in over 1 million twinkling lights, lighting up the walkway of gift shops and cafes, leading on to Britannia Pavilion which is home to some of Liverpool’s best independent restaurants. 

To complete the Light Talk, take the exit to The Beatles Story to be greeted with Bella, one half of the Liverbird duo who casts her watchful eye over the port to ensure the boats arrive safely, whilst her other half, Bertie, stands proudly outside Anchor Courtyard to keep watch on the city and the people of Liverpool. 

A Christmas trip to the dock wouldn’t be complete without sampling the festive food and drink on offer, from turkey tacos at Madre to brie & cranberry toasties at One O’Clock Gun, and even a whole roasted sharing duck at Lerpwl for the ultimate festive indulgence. Christmas cocktails are aplenty too, including a gingerbread Espresso Martini at Gusto, a nostalgic ‘Love ‘Daiq’tually’ from Revolucion de Cuba, or a Toblerone inspired cocktail at Maray. 

The dock’s variety of independent retailers make it the perfect spot for Christmas shopping, from creative finds at The Nest to limited edition hoodies at Lost Soles or luxury activewear from the dock’s newest retailer, Red Run Activewear, which is set to open this November.

For an iconic Liverpool souvenir pick up a colourful Lambanana from With Love from Liverpool or scenic panoramic print from Liverpool Pictures, whilst Harbour Accessories is bursting with secret Santa goodies and Nature’s Treasure is a must for a sparkly Christmas crystal. 

Visitors looking for a Christmas culture fix can pay a visit to the Merseyside Maritime Museum to see the fascinating Seized exhibition which delves into the hidden world of fake goods, or head to Tate Liverpool to see Lucy McKenzie’s exhibition of large-scale architectural paintings, illusionistic works as well as fashion and design.

Whether it’s to embark on the Light Trail, feast with friends, or stay, shop and explore, it’s all there at Liverpool’s Brightest destination. 

 

Enjoy festive shopping from local, independent traders this December when the Open Culture Winter Arts Markets returns to the Grade I listed Liverpool Cathedral.

–       Winter Arts Market returns to Liverpool Cathedral on 3 & 4 December 2021.

–       Over 120 stalls (60+ per day) from independent artists, designers and makers, with new stallholders each day.

–       Shop for unique gifts, original artworks, stylish homewares and more at the most popular craft fair in the region.

–       Buy Local. Buy Handmade. Buy Beautiful!

With over 60 stalls each day from independent artists, designers, crafters and makers, the Winter Arts Markets will return on Friday the 3 and Saturday the 4 December, where you’ll find new stallholders each day between 10am – 5pm.

The Winter Arts Markets arrive with plenty of time for shoppers to stock up on unique and affordable Christmas gifts, keeping money in the local creative economy, rather than braving the high streets mass produced offerings.

Customers will be spoilt for choice as they can browse thousands of products from local, independent traders, including original screen prints, paintings, intricate jewellery, tableware, handmade beauty products, woodwork, colourful decorations, accessories, textiles, photography, knitwear, hand poured candles and much more. There are gifts for all tastes and budgets.

At a time when shoppers are looking for a more authentic lifestyle, the Winter Arts Markets offer the chance to get into the festive spirit and buy directly from local artists – all within the setting of the iconic Grade I listed Liverpool Cathedral. As the largest cathedral in the UK and fifth largest in the world, it will turn into a thriving hive of festive shopping activity with thousands of unique creations on offer.

Don’t miss the opportunity to shop on both days where there will be completely new stallholders. On Friday 3 December there’s the likes of Old Man & Magpie’s craft small-batch, vegan-friendly candles, Oxalise’s ceramic planters and plants and Skyn Bakery’s luxury handmade artisan soaps & skincare products.

If you’re looking for travel-inspired colourful illustrations, greeting cards and gifts you’ll find plenty from Moo and Snip, while bakes&dates’ Belgium chocolate covered stuffed Medjool dates are a must-try for foodies.

On Saturday 4 December you can shop from Rawhide’s range of premium British, veg-tanned leather goods, Laura-Kate Draws’ stunning illustrations and giftware and Strawberri and the Lion’s colourful polymer clay jewellery collection. Plus, the Handyman Brewery’s locally produced beers and gins make for excellent gifts, while Jostle Bakers vegan cookies, cakes and brownies aren’t too be missed.

Want to see more of the exhibitors? Head to the Winter Arts Market Online Directory.

The event will be socially distanced. Visitors can pre-book tickets to avoid disappointment and pick their preferred time to shop. There will also be a limited number of walk-up tickets available for each timeslot during the day. The last visitor entrance at each event is 4:30pm.

The venue, Liverpool Cathedral has ‘We’re Good to Go’ accreditation, assuring visitors that our event will run in accordance with the Government’s COVID-19 guidance and the latest advice from Public Health England.

“Since our first Winter Arts Market all the way back in 2009, we’ve always been committed to supporting the local creative economy and the Winter Arts Market is now one of the most popular in the region. To ensure everyone’s safety we’re still not back up to our full capacity of stalls, but we’re still likely to be the biggest with over 120 different local and regional artists, designers and makers over the two days.

People wanting to buy unique gifts just in time for Christmas, plus know where that product was made, its back story, and its environmental credentials, this shopping experience is perfect for that. We look forward to welcoming friends old and new at the events. It’s certainly when my Christmas begins!” – Charlotte Corrie, Director, Open Culture